Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB), the authorised aftersales provider of Citroen/DS models in Malaysia, has issued a recall and a “Stop Drive Statement” for Citroen/DS vehicles in regard to the faulty Takata airbags.
The models affected by the recall are the following models produced between 2009 and 2017 which are the Citroen C3, Citroen C4, DS3, DS4, and DS5. Owners of these cars are strongly advised to adhere to the recall and “Stop Drive Statement” to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
The recall campaign initiated in 2020 for various phases globally targets vehicles equipped with potentially hazardous Takata airbag inflators. These inflators may deteriorate over time, particularly in hot and humid climates, presenting a rupture risk upon deployment. This rupture can result in dangerous debris scatter, posing a severe threat of injury or fatality.
If you own any of the mentioned models and haven’t received a notification, you can take proactive steps. Contact the company’s customer relationship management helpline at 03-7627 8818 and provide your vehicle’s VIN number for verification. Alternatively, you can reach out via email at customersupport@baasb.com.my to ensure your vehicle’s status regarding the recall and necessary repairs. Your vigilance in this matter is crucial for your safety and the proper resolution of the recall.
The Citroen DS is one of the legendary design icons of 20th century automobiles. Its sharp futuristic design was unlike other cars that were on sale in 1955, the year it was launched at the Paris Motor Show. Besides the design – which had children referring to its as the ‘spaceship car’ – it was also technologically innovative with its novel hydro-pneumatic suspension system. The system not only had self-levellng capability but the driver could also vary the ground clearance. It was also the first production car with modern disc brakes.
Between 1955 and 1975, some 1.5 million units were produced by Citroen and many naturally remain as collectors’ items today. Now, for those owners of this classic model who wish to transform it into a zero emissions car, Electrogenic is offering to convert the powertrain to a fully electric type.
First conversion of a DS
The UK-based company is believed to be the first one to professionally convert a DS in this manner. Electrogenic removed the car’s original 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and replaced it with a ‘Hyper9’ brushless electric motor. This produces 120 bhp and 235 Nm of instant torque, certainly more than the original combustion engine. Power is delivered to the front wheels through the car’s existing manual gearbox.
Housed within the still beautiful sedan body is a 48.5 kWh battery, offering a real-world range of approximately 225 kms when fully charged. Using a 29 kW charger, recharging time is said to take around two hours. Both the battery size and charger type can be tailored to suit the type of driving an owner will use it for. An optional ‘range extender’ battery provides customers the choice to extend the range of the car to over 320 kms.
Hydro-pneumatic suspension retained
One of the defining features of the DS was its hydro-pneumatic suspension system, which provided the car’s famously plush ride quality. Rather than using the original noisy mechanical pump, Electrogenic has created a silent electric pump which delivers a more sophisticated ride than the original.
The bodywork (a 1971 model) has not been touched, a principle followed by Electrogenic to maintain the beauty of the original car when converting classics to electric power. Only the absence of exhaust pipes and a subtle new ‘DS EV electronique’ decal on the boot provide visual clues to the car’s 21st century powertrain.
“Repowering classic cars with all-electric drive brings a number of benefits, from ease of use to reliability and performance gains. But with our conversions, the aim is always to enhance the original characteristics of the car. In this respect, the Citroen DS was ideally suited to an electric conversion – the silent powertrain adds to the serene driving experience and fits perfectly with the character of the car,” said Steve Drummond, Director and co-founder of Electrogenic, which has been in business for four years.
More experience in conversion gained
“As with all first-time conversions, the DS presented us with unique challenges. In this case adapting the hydro-pneumatic suspension to run without the combustion engine. The old pump was so noisy that it detracted from the silent drive of the car, but our new electric pump solved the issue completely. As with every conversion, the DS has added further to our knowledge of converting beautiful classics,” added Ian Newstead, another Director and co-founder of the company.
Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for DS Cars in Malaysia has officially launched the new DS Store Petaling Jaya, marking the first of its kind in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The flagship outlet was inaugurated in the presence of Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles and Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.
Weaving the excellence of French savoir-faire in a luxurious and modern space, the DS Store Petaling Jaya emphasises on the refined world of DS Automobiles, replete with its distinguished Corporate Identity in mind and French know-how in the premium segment. The design concept is based on DS Automobiles’ signature design philosophy for its outlets in key global markets, taking inspiration from the DS Spirit of Avant-garde as well as innovation and state-of-the-art features, only available in a DS vehicle.
The warm black, carmine red and champagne colours iconic to the DS brand adorns its walls and floors of the store, exuding a designer ambiance with great precision and creativity. At the centre of it all is the première appearance of the DS 7 CROSSBACK, which captivated guests and business partners alike at the event. With a total floor space of 3,230 sq ft, the new DS Store Petaling Jaya has the capacity to display three cars at any one time and offers 3S facilities for the convenience of DS owners. The outlet will serve as a one-stop centralised hub for DS owners and prospective customers to experience the very best of what DS Automobiles has to offer.
Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings said, “The new DS Store Petaling Jaya is the first to be introduced in Malaysia and in Southeast Asia. It is designed to provide premium service and the best in customer experience. The DS Store is about inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the values of the DS brand and gives visitors sophistication at their fingertips to configure, personalise and view their new DS.”
“With DS Automobiles’ fervent support and vision to continue accelerating DS brand development in Malaysia, we plan to invest RM5 million for marketing, operations and such in 2019, on top of the initial investment of RM2 million to set up the flagship store,” added Dato’ Samson. Present to officiate the new DS Store launch was Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles, who commented, “Each DS Store embodies DS Automobiles universe and is inspired by parisian luxury boutiques with its very own atmosphere. It is designed to place the customer at the centre of the brand experience.”
DS Automobiles is a world-renowned French premium brand known for its exclusive and exceptional customer experience through outstanding products and exacting standards of service that are distinctively theirs. The new DS Store Petaling Jaya will offer a new approach to customer experience for French know-how and high-end automotive products. A dedicated Customer Lounge welcomes discerning customers to configure, personalise and purchase their finest DS in-store, guided by a DS Advisor. The car exhibition area gives pride of place to a flagship model from the DS collection. Also on display is a large collection of DS lifestyle products inspired by DS Automobiles’ distinctive brand values of French expertise in opulence, refinement, personalisation and advanced technology.
A virtual reality experience at the VR Zone adapts the advanced technology of DS Virtual Vision, giving visitors a peek into the latest DS models where they can virtually view, explore, customise and interact with the cars in an almost realistic manner.
DS Automobiles currently has 450 DS Stores worldwide and continues to pique the interest of premium car enthusiasts globally.
